Western Definition:

Migraines are classified as one of two types: classic or common. Classic migraines include an aura (a subjective sensation that precedes the headache) which typically includes visual disturbances such as double vision, flashing lights, zig-zag patterns, or a partially blocked field of vision. Classic migraines are characterized by severe, throbbing, one-sided headache pain, usually behind the eye, frequently accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting. Sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells is common. Those who suffer from migraines also may experience speech difficulty, mood changes, confusion, muscular weakness, tingling in the limbs, and clumsiness either before or during the headache.

The attacks can last up to 72 hours. Common migraines are not preceded by an aura and may or may not include nausea and vomiting. Given the severity of the symptoms, migraines can greatly undermine the quality of an individual's life, requiring the use of medication, missed days from work, and disrupted family and personal time.

Precipitating Factors:

The current theory about the mechanism behind the pain and other symptoms of migraines is a disturbance and inflammation of the blood vessels surrounding the brain, including the temporal artery. Changes in the amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin have also been noted, although the meaning of this variation is unclear. Migraines involve increased sympathetic nervous activity (the type of activity responsible for the "fight or flight" response), and this causes symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, delayed emptying of the stomach, pallor, and cold hands and/or feet.

The factors that bring on these changes vary by the individual suffering from the migraine. A family history of migraine is present in a significant number of those who suffer from these headaches. Women are more likely to suffer from migraines than are men. Sensitivities to certain foods are also implicated, and foods such as hard cheeses, fermented foods, MSG, chocolate, bananas, avocados, and alcohol are thought to be common triggers. Other contributors include fluctuations in blood sugar, hormonal changes, too much or too little sleep, changes in barometric pressure, emotional stress, exposure to sun glare or flashing lights, smoking, and muscular tension related to postural imbalances.

Migraines According to Chinese Medicine:

Migraines, according to Chinese medicine, can be caused by a variety of imbalances, very often involving the Liver and Gallbladder organs and meridians. In the simplest terms, this imbalance can be characterized as too much or too little of a particular energy/substance. In clinical practice, both an excess and a deficiency can and do frequently co-exist. If a substance is either excess or deficient, this disrupts the flow of qi (chee) and creates pain.

Treatment with Chinese Medicine:

Like its approach to other disorders, Chinese medicine's treatment of migraines and other headaches is based on an individualized Chinese medical diagnosis. Even though two individuals may have both been diagnosed as suffering from migraines from the Western perspective, the Chinese diagnosis and corresponding treatment may differ by individual. Examining the specific migraine triggers, characteristics of the headaches, location of the pain, and the person's constitution and medical history allows treatment that is tailored to the individual. A comprehensive treatment plan based on an Eastern diagnosis ensures that both the root (cause) and the manifestation (headache pain) are addressed.

Acupuncture, herbal formulas, massage, cupping, moxibustion, specific lifestyle suggestions, dietary modifications, and exercise and/or stretches are all commonly employed together to address migraines. To what degree each of these tools is used depends upon the particular person's needs at the time, determined by a thorough health history and an examination of the pulse and tongue.

Each tool of the medicine is employed according to these findings. Which acupuncture points are used is determined by the location and quality of the headache pain. Herbal prescriptions and dietary suggestions are based upon information about specific triggers, aggravating and alleviating factors, and overall health. An assessment of one's posture allows the effective use of appropriate stretches and exercises to address contributing musculoskeletal factors.
The overall goal of treatment is to restore the body to a greater level of health. When the body is fundamentally in balance, it is less susceptible to precipitating factors that cause a headache in the first place. By employing these multiple tools, a comprehensive treatment plan can offer relief from the pain and disruption of migraine headaches without the side effects of Western medications.

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